Page 58 of His Duchess in Disguise
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The Earl of Cleweme plied his future father-in-law with more drink. By keeping the fellow sodden enough to spend all his time blubbering, it was not difficult to keep him from noticing the Earl’s machinations.
With the Baron busy weeping into his cups, Lord Percy Harlow began to put the last finishing touches on his plans for Calber Cove, the inlet that was part of Emma’s dowry. The girl would soon be in his hands, and he would be able to embark upon his real plan – the plan that would topple empires and change the world.
Chapter 37
After a brief discussion with the tavern keeper, Leo learned that, although the tavern did not have any accommodations attached, there was a genteel widow who sometimes let out rooms to travelers.
“Serves up an excellent breakfast,” the tavern keeper said. “Which is just as well since I don’t usually open up until nigh on noon. Not much custom, ya see, till the farmers come in from the fields and the noon mail comes through. I sometimes go over there to take breakfast m’self, when I’m up in time, that is. Late nights, ya know.” The fellow waved his hand by way of general explanation.
Leo found the widow’s cottage was just a short walk from the tavern. It was a quaint little house with a thatched roof, whitewashed walls, and windows covered with closely scraped parchment instead of glass. Inside, everything was orderly and well-scrubbed. The rushes on the floor were clean and sweet. A fireplace at the end of the main room had a low fire under a pot of hot water. On the settle, a cloth-covered bowl gave off the yeasty aroma of rising bread.
The widow was only too glad to rent her two rooms. “I do enjoy having respectable guests,” she gushed as she settled Emma and Mary in one room, and the gentlemen in the other. “Why do you know that just last week a fellow came through and insisted that . . . oh, never mind. I shall make myself no better than he by talking about it. Do make yourselves comfortable and let me know if there is anything that you need.”
The widow had no other guests, and after she had retired for the night, they had the common room to themselves. Emma read another chapter of the book, but then declared herself too tired to read more aloud by the flickering light of the candles.
Mary went to their room to turn down the beds, while Hamilton departed to perform the same task for the Duke and himself. This left Emma and Leo alone.
The common room was sparsely furnished. It had a long table where several guests could dine together and a bench in front of the fire. Emma and Leo sat on the bench, watching the logs slowly fall apart into coals. Rags nestled at Emma’s feet.
Emma looked up as the Duke stretched out one hand to her. “Regrets, m’lady?” he asked, his eyes fixed upon her face.
Emma returned his gaze, color flooding into her cheeks. “No, Your Grace. No regrets. It is a little sudden, though, isn’t it?”
“I am sorry for that. But I am not sorry to have asked, nor to have received your consent. The more I see of you, Emma, the happier I am that fate brought us together.”
Emma placed her hand in his. “No regrets, Your Grace. Just little worries that you might not find me adequate as a duchess.”
Leo brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them gently. The back of her hand was smooth and soft. Had he imagined the little intake of breath?
“I cannot think of anything which you would not be adequate to do. Emma, words fail me. I think if I attended a year of balls or searched the kingdom over, I would not find another such as you.”
“Truly, Your Grace?”
“Truly, Emma. Could you find it in your heart to call me Leo? I’ve not been ‘Your Grace’ very long, and the sound of it on your lips is like a barrier between us.”
“I am sorry, Your Grace, I mean Leo. I did not mean it like that. It is just . . .” Emma blushed again.
“Do we need a barrier, Emma?”
“No! Oh, no, not at all.” Emma looked up directly into Leo’s face, looking surprised. “Are you afraid I will reject you, Leo?”
“A little,” he said. “I’ve never asked a lady to marry me before, you see. And just between the two of us, I have difficulty asking one to dance. After all, she might say no.”
Emma cocked her head on one side as if considering his statement. “I’d never thought about how it might be to have to do the asking. Only how miserable it could be if one ends up standing on the sidelines while other ladies are asked to dance. Or to wish to be invited, all the while knowing that your chances are slim.”
“Oh, Emma!” Leo exclaimed. “You need not ever worry about that again. I will fill up your every card, providing a mere husband can get there ahead of all the swains who will want a dance with you.”
“I’m not much of a dancer,” Emma demurred. Then she looked up at him and grinned. “Honestly, Your Grace, I’m not very good at flirting. So let us have plain speaking between us. I like you. I enjoyed our conversation while riding, and I find your touch pleasant. You are more than a little comely to look upon, and I think we shall deal well together. I would not have said yes otherwise.”
“Well,” Leo said. Then paused for a long moment, thinking. “It is a start. I own I had hoped for something a little stronger.”
“Your Grace! We met but three days ago. These things take time.”
“What! Not love at first sight?”
“Not hate at first sight, at least. I enjoy your company. I feel safe when I am near you. Your man, Mr. Hamilton, clearly likes and respects you, as does Captain Arnault. Mrs. Pearthorne thought well of the Captain, so I think his judgement of you can be relied upon.”
